Purple Smoketree

Purple Smokebush

Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'

ko-TYE-nus kog-GY-gree-uh
8 to 10 ft.
6 to 10 ft.
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low

beige

June

8 to 10 ft.

6 to 10 ft.

No

species is native to southern Europe to central China

sun

USDA zones 5-8

hardy to 6,000 ft.

Purple smokebush is an upright shrub with rounded, velvety-purple leaves. In summer, it develops beige-colored flowers that are not very noticeable.

The flowers turn into gorgeous, fluffy panicles of fine, pinkish hairs on elongated stalks, which look like "smoke."

Despite its attractive appearance, this shrub frequently suffers winter dieback in the Colorado Springs area. It is best used downtown or in a protected location.

low

beige

June

8 to 10 ft.

6 to 10 ft.

No

species is native to southern Europe to central China

sun

USDA zones 5-8

hardy to 6,000 ft.

There is one purple smoketree planted in the low water zone at the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden. It is a beautiful shrub with beautiful burgundy leaves. The seedheads create a eye-catching, unique texture in the landscape.

Although purple smoketree suffers from deer damage and winter dieback at the Xeriscape Garden, seems to recover by producing new growth. There are several beautiful specimens in private yards in downtown Colorado Springs.

Remove any winter-killed branches as needed. Best bloom will occur if spring pruning is minimal because the "smoke" grows on the branches produced the previous year.